Where to check your Tennessee driver license points

You can check your driver license points through the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDOSHS) in three ways: online through their website, by phone, or in person at a local driver services center. The online method is fastest and available 24/7. You will need your driver license number and date of birth to look up your record.

The official Tennessee driver services website lets you view your driving record, which shows all points on your license. Points appear on your record when you receive traffic violations — things like speeding, running a red light, or reckless driving. The record also shows any suspensions, revocations, or restrictions tied to your license.

Key Takeaways

  • Tennessee's online driver record lookup at tdoshs.tn.gov shows your current points without needing to visit an office or call.
  • Points stay on your record for different lengths of time depending on the violation — minor infractions drop off faster than serious ones.
  • Reaching 12 points within a 12-month period triggers a license suspension in Tennessee.
  • You can request a hearing to contest points if you believe the violation was recorded incorrectly.

Using the online driver record lookup

Go to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website and select the option to view your driving record. You will be asked to enter your driver license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will then display your current record, including any points, violations, and license status.

The online lookup shows you exactly what TDOSHS has on file. This is the same information a police officer or insurance company would see when they pull your record. If you spot an error — a violation you do not believe you received, or points that should have dropped off — write down the details so you can contact TDOSHS to dispute it.

How points are assigned and how long they stay

Tennessee assigns points based on the type of violation. A speeding ticket might be 3 to 8 points depending on how far over the limit you were driving. Reckless driving is typically 8 points. Failure to yield or improper lane change is usually 4 points. More serious violations like driving under the influence (DUI) carry 12 points.

Points do not stay on your record forever. Most violations drop off after three years from the date of conviction. However, some serious violations — like DUI, driving with a suspended license, or hit-and-run — may stay longer or affect your record differently. The online record will show you the conviction date for each violation, so you can calculate when it will fall off.

What happens when you reach 12 points

If you accumulate 12 or more points within a 12-month period, your license will be suspended. TDOSHS will send you a notice by mail telling you the suspension date and how long it will last. A first suspension is usually for three months. If you get suspended again within five years, the second suspension is typically six months, and a third suspension within five years is one year.

During a suspension, you cannot legally drive. Driving on a suspended license is a separate criminal offense that carries fines and possible jail time. If you need to drive for work or medical reasons during a suspension, you may be able to request a restricted license, but you must contact TDOSHS to ask about that option.

Checking your record by phone or in person

If you prefer not to use the online system, you can call the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security at their main number to request your driving record over the phone. You will need to provide your driver license number and date of birth. They can tell you your current points and any violations on file, though the process takes longer than the online lookup.

You can also visit any driver services center in Tennessee in person. Bring your driver license and ask to see your driving record. Staff can print out a copy for you, which is useful if you need documentation for insurance purposes or to show an employer. Driver services centers are located throughout the state; you can find the one nearest you on the TDOSHS website.

Understanding your driving record printout

When you receive a copy of your driving record — whether online, by phone, or in person — it will list each violation, the date it occurred, the date you were convicted, the point value, and when it will drop off your record. The record also shows your current license status (valid, suspended, revoked, or restricted) and any restrictions or endorsements on your license.

Insurance companies use this record to set your rates. More points mean higher premiums. Some employers, especially those hiring for driving positions, also check driving records as part of the hiring process. Knowing what is on your record helps you understand why your insurance costs what it does and what you need to do to improve your driving record over time.

Disputing points or violations on your record

If your driving record shows a violation you believe is wrong, you have the right to request a hearing. You must contact TDOSHS in writing and explain why you think the violation was recorded incorrectly. Common reasons include: you were not the driver, the violation was dismissed in court, or the court records do not match what appears on your license record.

TDOSHS will review your request and may schedule a hearing. Bring any court documents, receipts, or other proof that supports your claim. If TDOSHS agrees the violation was recorded in error, they will remove it and the points will be taken off your record when ready. This can prevent a suspension or lower your insurance rates if the points were recent.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I check my driver license points?

Check your record at least once a year, or whenever you receive a traffic ticket. This helps you catch errors early and know how close you are to the 12-point suspension threshold. If you are within a few points of suspension, checking your record reminds you to drive carefully.

Do points from other states show up on my Tennessee record?

Yes. Tennessee is part of the Driver License Compact, an agreement between states to share traffic violation information. Violations you receive in other states will appear on your Tennessee record and count toward your 12-point suspension limit.

Can I remove points from my license by taking a defensive driving course?

Tennessee does not allow you to remove points by taking a defensive driving course. However, some insurance companies offer discounts if you complete an approved course, which can offset the cost of higher premiums from points on your record.

What is the difference between points and a suspension?

Points are a record of violations. A suspension is a penalty that removes your legal right to drive. You can have points on your record without being suspended. Once you reach 12 points in 12 months, TDOSHS suspends your license as a consequence of those points.

If I move out of Tennessee, do my points follow me?

Your Tennessee driving record stays with Tennessee. However, if you get a license in a new state, that state will request your driving history from Tennessee through the Driver License Compact. Your points and violations will be visible to your new state's licensing agency.